Background
Portnova, Zina was born on February 20, 1926 in Leningrad. Daughter of a worker.
Portnova, Zina was born on February 20, 1926 in Leningrad. Daughter of a worker.
On holiday when World War II started, joined the partisans near Vitebsk. Member of the Young Avengers (Iunye Mstiteli). Took part in intelligence operations.
Arrested by the Germans, December 1943. According to Soviet sources, during interrogation she killed her interrogator with his own weapon, and was beaten to death. Posthumously proclaimed a Hero of the Soviet Union (July 1958).